Located in a funky backyard studio in Northern Melbourne, Learn 2 Screen Print is a class held by…read moredesigner Laura Day. She teaches anyone from absolute beginners to the slightly more art savvy students looking to brush up on or learn new skills. Classes are held on the weekend as well as midweek depending on numbers, students can expect to walk away from a class completely understanding the method as well as the production of screen printing. In the beginners class students will learn how to print on to paper as well as fabric. Two projects are conducted throughout the day, the first being a funky gift card set and the second a calico tote bag. Students can choose any design they wish and be as creative as they like! Laura is very knowledgeable and encouraging, and offers many suggestions on technique along the way and also shares her information about how to set up screen printing for yourself at home. Check website for class details

Hand Maker's factory has recently moved from kensington to seddon and is situated atop a lovely…read morehousewares shop. It is a studio space that empowers people to confidently create in a sustainable way. Young teachers share their knowledge of sewing, knitting, screen printing, macrame and stamp carving amongst many other skills. Alongside their workshops, handcrafted tools, supplies and other items are also on offer via their online store. The studio space is run by the gorgeous entrepreneurial Nicola Prested. This morning I took a three hours long workshop in making a macrame plant hanger. I found free parking easily on a Sunday morning. Booking the class was easy via weteachme.com, and if you book with a friend you get a discount. You may think macrame is just about tying knots but it can be quite meditative. It was a small class of five women located in a bright homely space. We were greeted by two friendly faces, hot cuppas of tea, homemade chocolate zucchini cake and anzac biscuits. We learnt to tie a noose (definitely useful in getting out of life imprisonment) and square knots. Our arms hurt from all the tying but we were persistent. Lots of knots later and our bellies full of goodies, we had gorgeous maiden's fern pots sitting on top of our well tied ropes. We even got an instruction sheet to take with us. Hello etsy here I come. :) Definitely coming back for macrame part two.

GA provides a real platform for never-ending learning…read more I first encountered GA in Sydney when I wanted to learn more about recent developments in technology and innovation. Initially I attended night classes, which later saw me turning to a full-time immersive course in user experience design. The course helped me transition into a new career as well as meet lots of new friends during this exciting journey. Melbourne GA has a group of organised and active producers who are well-involved in the community. I regularly attend their panels & workshops and my personal education has been all the better for it.

I was lucky enough to attend a Yelp event at General Assembly last night -Intro to the Melbourne…read morestart up community- it was awesome :) I loved the space, it is a very Silicon Valley-esque educational eco system. Our presenter Bart was great at conveying a massive slab of information into something that was both funny and engaging (a rare skill). I think that the majority of the attendees gave Bart their email address to receive the PowerPoint presentation which is a reflection of how much they enjoyed themselves. Our Community manager Mel P. Was also there to give a brief overview of the history of Yelp, another great public speaker. Go Mel :) I hope that Yelp partners with GA (that's what the cool kids call it) again :) :)

Life changing ceramics store... Say what? Guild of Objects is an emporium of handmade homewares and…read morefor an avid tea drinker like myself, finding the right tea mug can change your life. I like to call it a 'hug mug' - it has to be the perfect circumference, texture, colour and height. Not an easy mission. I found an abundance of spirit mugs here! Melbourne is creative and proud of it - and this quaint ceramics shop celebrates local makers by exclusively selling Victorian goods. And good they are! Incredible actually. I fell in love with so many pieces that I bought 10 of them that I am prepared to cart home back to Perth. Turbulence, please be kind to my new ceramic friends. Located in North Melbourne, they also offer beginners workshops and community drop in days. Next door is a sunny cafe called Beatrix that looked to be brimming with delicious homemade cakes. Take one home as a perfect accompaniment for your first cup of tea in your spirit mug discovery.

Fitzroy Learning Network is located right opposite the Fitzroy Town Hall and provides support and…read moreeducation with a focus on those in poverty or facing social exclusion. FLN offers courses in arts, immersion programs, literacy, maths, CALD and much more. I had the opportunity to volunteer here through a program at work and am so glad I did! I helped from 8:45-1:30pm for a day - Frank (teacher) taught a class of about 10 that day and volunteers helped with reading, writing, and math skills. Don't be scared if you don't have a Masters in English or mathematics! This place is friendly and students come from all sorts of background and hardship. Ever try learning and living in a new country where you don't speak much of the preferred language or have not had the opportunity to learn about how to save or buy items at the grocery store? These are the things we helped out with and I would love to go back here again in the future as I met lovely people that communicated with their eyes, hands, and smiles. No matter what backgrounds students came from, everyone put in hard work and helped each other out though hardly anyone spoke the same language!

This quirky little business has some amazing alternative workshops for adults…read more I attended kink 101 on a Saturday and it ran for 5 hours. It was very informative and you can see what you will expect on the website but it's all in the delivery. The organiser is very well informed about what he teaches and provides a fun, safe and comfortable environment for all who attend. I would recommend all who want to broaden their minds and take a dive into open exploration!

Workshops on wacky subjects are always a fun way to try something new and break into a new skill. I…read moretried the Kink 101 and had a blast! I want expecting to be too into it but ended up learning a lot and appreciated the opportunity to explore subjects like consent and safe touch. As well as the chance to 'play' with some lovely people. These adult only spaces aren't as intimidating as you would think. In fact, it was really relaxed and the facilitators were funny and interesting. I especially liked how queer friendly it was and pro-poly; or whatever relationship style really! If you are a bit more conservative you could go for the heteronormative group events or if you are a 'gender bender' there is a group for you! Couples and singles are welcome as well and as a single female attendee I felt very safe. At the very least, here is an opportunity to spice up your relationship with some new ideas and discussion. Bonus: most classes have a pay as you feel option above the flat rate of about $40

About 10 years ago, I had lessons from Steve in Brisbane to improve my drumming so that I could…read moreoffer it as a service to people in my studio when he was unavailable. His communication and passion for drums is second to none. Since then, Steve has been my main session drummer at of my studio - JNP. He still does sessions for me when he's in town and is often asked for by previous clients. Much of the reason my recordings have had great drum sounds over the years is because of his fine work on the kit. He has excellent pop sensibility, fantastic communication and excellent chops to make any song requiring drums shine. He's one of the best in the country when it comes to getting high-end results - I've worked with lots of great players. Steve is a true professional, always on time and always prepared. I was gutted when he told me he was moving to Melbourne!

The one negative aspect about this museum is that it is not open to the general public. Students of…read moreUniversity of Melbourne studying anatomy and/or pathology have access to this museum via their student card, but everyone else needs permission - unlikely granted to those who are not undertaking a study of relevance. Service: The museum curators are really nice and helpful if you come here for a tour. I went on a science tour at the beginning of the year which included this museum, and was treated very nicely by the curator. She was happy to explain anything they had and answered all our questions. The best part is - she let us sort of roam free in the room. We didn't have to follow a select route and got to look at whatever interested us. Content: This place isn't what I would call a huge museum. It's just a fairly large room with loads of displays of real body parts - CAUTION: NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. Each display has its own little notecard that explains what you're looking at, which is super helpful and combined with the aid of the museum curator or tour guide, you could end up learning a lot here. Overall, this museum is great and on the rare occasions that it's open to public access, take advantage! You shouldn't have to be studying anatomy and/or pathology to learn a lot about the human body and diseases.